newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for the feedback on the jet drive outboards, will probably pass on that.

Would you stay away from a late 70's riveted boat that has been used a fair amount in the saltwater?

What about one missing a few rivets that has a deck floor (so can't see what's going on underneath)? Owner says it leaks some water through the missing rivets (most in transom area) and that bilge runs every 45 minutes or so.

 

[roscoe]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

If you want to minimize problems, simplify repairs, and maximize your first boat experience:

Look for an aluminum boat,
no floor,
outboard motor of 25-35 hp with a prop,
16 foot open boat - no closed bow or windshield,
with a decent trailer.
If you are worried about how the tin fishing boat looks, then you are going to have to spend more money.

Plan on using the trailer to get the boat out of the water most of the time.
Security of a small boat and its contents are important.
You would be surprised how fast a motor can disappear.
Or the battery, or gas tank, or the fuel line, or the entire boat gets taken for a joyride.

By trailering the rig, you can leave all your fishing gear and pfd's in the boat.
You can secure everything at your cottage or home.
You can service the engine, and work on your fishing gear or the boat itself.
Do you really want to be lugging all your stuff into and out of the boat so it doesn't get stolen?

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Look for an aluminum boat,
no floor,
outboard motor of 25-35 hp with a prop,
16 foot open boat - no closed bow or windshield,
with a decent trailer.

I found a nice one owner older 16' Lund but it has a merc with berkley jet drive outboard on it - that's why the jet drive outboard questions. I expect its expensive to change out the jet drive to prop on an early 70s merc no longer making the boat a good deal. There will be others - no rush this time of year.

Security of a small boat and its contents are important.

By trailering the rig, you can leave all your fishing gear and pfd's in the boat.
You can secure everything at your cottage or home.
Do you really want to be lugging all your stuff into and out of the boat so it doesn't get stolen?

Very good points here that deserve consideration. I don't want to be lugging everything in and out of the boat.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Could always inquire if the Lund owner would concider selling less the engine. Then maybe look to find a late 70s to early 80s 35hp Johnson or Evinrude. They are super engines and very owner friendly.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Could always inquire if the Lund owner would concider selling less the engine. Then maybe look to find a late 70s to early 80s 35hp Johnson or Evinrude. They are super engines and very owner friendly.

Owner said not interested in separating so that one is pretty much shot down.

Trying to keep to simple boats but the admiral says that -perhaps- if we had a boat that was comfortable for the entire family maybe she'd be more inclined to go out and hang out while I fish when we are up at the lake. She defines as comfortable something more like a traditional fish/ski boat with an open bow with front seating as well as the behind the windshield seats with a bimini/canvas top of some sort. She does say it's my decision as the boat purchase is primarily for me...but with the requests by the kids to be able to tube and her mentioning comfort features I am trying to reconcile this with the advice to get a simple boat initially.

I think a nice simple boat with comfortable seats might still be the ticket, but may need to consider expanding my options slightly. Would still like to stay tin hull to keep it reasonably light and I feel like it helps minimize the potential for problems compared to fiberglass when talking about 30-40 year old boats. Going this route will stretch the budget a bit but still need to keep costs in check. Liking some of the 70s crestliners and starcrafts (and similar boats) as possibilities if I decide to expand my possibilities a bit. I know that opens me up to possible issues with the deck floors and I am not looking for a project boat.

Feel free to weigh in on my dilemma. Thanks again for all the advice. Great to have a sounding board for thoughts and ideas!

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

She just saved you time and money. I knew this was coming. An older tin boat can be found for less than you think. The only 2 possibilities of rot are the floor and transom. Both are cheap easy repairs if needed. Make sure the trailer is in good shape and fits the boat. Your biggest concern will be the motor. Have a mechanic check it and do a compression check. Then sea trial. Don't worry much about the bimini too soon. They run about $300 often installed. Don't consider 14' - 15'. Look for 16' - 18'. Last year I sold an '04 17' fiberglass boat (bimini) with a good trailer and low hour 90 Yamaha for $6800. I had a 200 hour service done before the buyer picked it up. There are great deals out there~~ especially this time of year. If the Admiral is not happy the captain is demoted to swabbie.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

She just saved you time and money. I knew this was coming. An older tin boat can be found for less than you think. The only 2 possibilities of rot are the floor and transom. Both are cheap easy repairs if needed. Make sure the trailer is in good shape and fits the boat. Your biggest concern will be the motor. Have a mechanic check it and do a compression check. Then sea trial. Don't worry much about the bimini too soon. They run about $300 often installed. Don't consider 14' - 15'. Look for 16' - 18'.

Good advice, thanks.

Thoughts on whether $3500 is too much for a mid 70s 18' Starcraft SS in good original condition with 70HP oil injected outboard? Owner says firm on the price. Full canvas top and bow cover. Owner claims no leaks and claims good compression in all cylinders. No trolling motor. Interior a bit worn but not torn. Curious if $3500 is high or not.

Saw a 16' crestliner advertised that looks pretty clean that sellers says will sell for $2200. Some hull scratches/scrapes and owner says some minor leaking. Claims good running motor..another original boat. Is $2200 fair if you have to deal with some minor leak issues if everything else looks solid?

 

[roscoe]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Good advice, thanks.

Thoughts on whether $3500 is too much for a mid 70s 18' Starcraft SS in good original condition with 70HP oil injected outboard? Owner says firm on the price. Full canvas top and bow cover. Owner claims no leaks and claims good compression in all cylinders. No trolling motor. Interior a bit worn but not torn. Curious if $3500 is high or not.

Saw a 16' crestliner advertised that looks pretty clean that sellers says will sell for $2200. Some hull scratches/scrapes and owner says some minor leaking. Claims good running motor..another original boat. Is $2200 fair if you have to deal with some minor leak issues if everything else looks solid?

Thats not a bad price on the 18 SS, especially on the west coat. Its all about condition, and local markets.
A 70 hp on that boat will do ok, but not real well if you fill the boat.
I had a 65 on mine, swapped it out for a 90, which made a big difference.
Also, that boat has pretty high sides, 27" I think, making it harder to fish out of.
If it has the back-to-back seats, it is even harder to fish from.
But she is a big wide stable hull for sure.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Thats not a bad price on the 18 SS, especially on the west coat. Its all about condition, and local markets.
A 70 hp on that boat will do ok, but not real well if you fill the boat.
I had a 65 on mine, swapped it out for a 90, which made a big difference.
Also, that boat has pretty high sides, 27" I think, making it harder to fish out of.
If it has the back-to-back seats, it is even harder to fish from.
But she is a big wide stable hull for sure.

Thanks Roscoe. Yeah the boat has the original back to back seats in it. Seems to be common in that type of boat. IF I am looking for older tin boats like the Starcraft SS, other ones you'd recommend as friendly for fishing and tubing?

That 18' starcraft SS is tempting...but without a trolling motor the $3500 price tag goes up to get it fish worthy (adding the trolling motor and a steering rod to connect them together).

Saw another SS advertised that had the back to backs taken out and replaced with two swivels. Still has the up front bow seating so that concept could work. That boat while it looks nice, per the owner it leaks around the transom due to missing rivets. It's also seen some saltwater use so first inclination is to stay away.

16' Crestliner has back to back seats too, but it is intriguing at a $2200 price point for what appears to be an overall good condition boat. Says some minor leaking so that always has me a bit nervous.

Thanks again to everyone for continuing to assist me on the boat quest.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

If the 18'er is as claimed it is not a bad price. Certainly not a steal. I'd show up asking to see the compression results and ask for a sea trial. If all went well and he has good titles I'd show him 31 $100 bills and go from there. Better than a smaller boat with problems. If the owner did not take care of leaks why would he take care of trailer bearings, LU oil changes, and etc? The Admiral will be happier and you will be promoted,, maybe to captain again.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

If the 18'er is as claimed it is not a bad price. Certainly not a steal.

Sounding like it's a fair price but not a steal. Given it's winter and trying to keep my costs down was looking for a good deal. Will ponder that a bit and maybe check and see if he has the documentation on the compression results.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

In the 16' to 18' class the most common builders of this type, Dual console with windshields, would be Starcraft, Smokercraft, Sylvan, Sea Nymph and I'll include the Lund Tyee. All very popular, common and been in production for many years. The 16'ers will perform well with 50hp to 75hp.

With any of these it's not real difficult though can get costly to replace the back to back seats with pedistals and fold down seats.

Do a Yahoo image search of any of these boats and you will get a very good idea of what's out there. Believe me there are pages and pages of pictures to look through.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

What do you guys thing of the 70's crestliners in 16' that have the same dual console open bow layout? For low $2k one is available that seller says is in good original condition. Has original seats and a vinyl floor. Says it's solid as far as he knows. Says hull has some scratches and dings and one previous repair (doesn't know the history on that). Says it does take on a gallon or two of water after sitting all day but hasn't been able to find the source of the leak. Says rivets look good. Pics look like it's a decent boat. Again any water leakage has been nervous.

Also have a lead on a 1988 starcraft 18' SS with 110 outboard for $3500 Owner says it's solid and runs well with interior in good condition. However, it has no canvas. Any idea on what it would cost for full canvas (bow canvas, the raised front top where you can stand and the back canvas to include side windows)? Don't know if I need all of that canvas but am curious if anyone knows what that might cost. I haven't run any searches yet so will go do that.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Both boats were well made. The StarCraft has 2 things going for it and 18' is a big difference. It will save you a step up as you will love the 16' but will wish it were bigger. What make OB on the StarCraft? A bimini will cost about $300 and add $50 for the bow cover to be made in my area. Probably about $200 - $250 for side curtains and depending on design as low as $125 for the back. Whoever you decide to make them can make them a piece or two at a time if you let them know in the beginning of the possibility.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

What make OB on the StarCraft?

Thanks for the response. The outboard is a 1988 Johnson 110 oil injected two stroke. Any thoughts on that? Owner says the boat flies with that motor.

Thanks for the info on the canvas. This starcraft also has two pedestal seats at the console. At the very back two box/jump seats on either side of the outboard. Bow has the traditional open bow seating.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

One more thing on that starcraft - he's willing to do a water test for me but temps expected to be below freezing. Should I go ahead and do the water test in below freezing temps? Should I forego that and maybe instead have a marine mechanic do a quick look and perhaps compression test on it? Owner says in the spring that marine shop did a tune and adjust on it. thanks

 

[Shfftr]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

If you can do both,do it. The water test will show you if this boat makes you feel comfortable and if you like the ride. You may want to bring wife to see if she likes it also,"happy wife happy life". the mechanic's inspection should put any doubts of the shape the motor is supposed to be in. Good Luck I just went thru what you are going thru.

 

[Watermann]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Freezing weather isn't a problem for the boat and motor being an OB. Only the occupants will have trouble, dress warmly.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Do both. Take it on the water-- will not hurt anything and see how everything works. If you are happy have a mechanic do a compression test. If all goes well, have it winterized if you are not going to use it for a while. Either way -- plan on changing LU oil, impellor, and plugs before using it a lot.

 

[Vintin]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

A vintage Alumacraft Model K @ 16ft. wouldn't be a bad choice. You'll likely get it for under $750.00 and then you'll need to buy a motor. Or it may come with one but it's probably going to be over $1k.